During abdominal thrusts for a choking adult, what is the recommended action if the person becomes unresponsive?

• A. Lower the person to the floor, call for help, and begin CPR with chest compressions.
• B. Continue performing abdominal thrusts until the object is expelled.
• C. Remove the object with your fingers.
• D. Wait for EMS to arrive without providing CPR.

Answer: (A)

When a choking adult becomes unresponsive, the focus shifts from trying to clear the airway with abdominal thrusts to delivering CPR to restore circulation and oxygen to vital organs. Lower the person to a firm surface, call for help, and start chest compressions right away. If you’re trained, after 30 compressions you can open the airway and give rescue breaths, and if you can see and safely remove the obstructing object, do so; otherwise resume CPR. Use an AED as soon as it’s available.

Continuing abdominal thrusts isn’t appropriate once the person is unresponsive because they can’t effectively cooperate, and chest compressions are needed to circulate blood. Finger sweeps aren’t advised unless you can clearly see and safely grab the object, as blind attempts can push the blockage further or cause injury. Waiting for EMS without giving CPR wastes crucial time; immediate CPR improves survival chances.